Category: Big Thoughts

I changed Dogbone’s nickname because otherwise he’d be recognized as a famous public figure and I’m not gunning for him. Not Bieber or Kanye or Beyoncé-level fame. Dogbone is a minor celebrity in comparison to those big names, but at...

Now that America has two candidates for president from which to choose, I have a suggestion for how to judge their qualifications: Ask them about the Constitution. When the winner of the November election takes the Oath of Office, they...

[Cue big screen in background: images of standard Americana fare: holding babies in crowds, working rope lines, making speeches, American flag.] [Hillary in foreground at podium, looking serious but kind, like Mom about to say something really important to the...

The Tower of Babel: God Divided A nice Jehovah’s Witness came to my door wanting to tell me his religion’s “truth” about God. He came armed with a Bible, publications from his church, and arguments to every objection. No doubt...

Why Republicans Won the Election and Dems Flopped There is no one, soundbite-ready answer to why the Republicans did so well in the 2014 election. As a political scientist I can provide a few obvious answers, but as I see...

Steve is not what most people think of when they picture a shaman. Instead of wearing masks and feathers, he wears jeans and button-downs, although the medicine bag hidden under his shirt gives him away. While people know him as...

What is going to happen on December 21, 2012? The days grow shorter and the nights are getting long. Feels like we’re running out of time. -“Magic Power” by Triumph. December 21, 2012 is closing in quickly – less than...

As Hanukkah 2011 approaches and the Festival of Lights begins again, remember why the Jews battled to restore the people to their faith. Remember why it is still commemorated. Oppression and tyranny are big themes going into 2012. People everywhere are rising up for their rights same as the Maccabees did 2,150 or so years ago.

Even without an Armageddon the situation looks pretty bleak, and these are the conditions predicted to precede the Second Coming of religious figures from traditions around the world: the Christian Jesus, the Muslim Mahdi, the Hindu Kalki, the Buddhist Maitreya (Great Teacher) — expected by their followers to return at a time of unprecedented chaos, warfare and exploitation. That sure sounds like what is happening presently.